The Who’s “Who Are You,” released in 1978 on their album of the same name, is a powerful rock anthem that explores themes of identity, disillusionment, and self-discovery. Written by Pete Townshend, the song’s driving rhythm, memorable guitar riffs, and introspective lyrics make it a standout track in The Who’s extensive catalog.
About The Song
With its energetic instrumentation and Roger Daltrey’s impassioned vocals, “Who Are You” captures the frustration and uncertainty of trying to navigate through life’s challenges and complexities. The song’s evocative chorus, which poses the existential question “Who are you? Who, who, who, who?” resonates with listeners on a profound level, tapping into the universal desire to find meaning and purpose in one’s existence.
Upon its release, “Who Are You” became an instant classic, earning critical acclaim and commercial success for its raw emotion and musical prowess. Its anthemic quality and thought-provoking lyrics have made it a favorite among fans of The Who and a staple of classic rock radio.
As we revisit “Who Are You,” we celebrate The Who’s enduring legacy and the timeless appeal of this introspective anthem. Its powerful message and dynamic sound continue to captivate audiences, reminding us of the importance of self-discovery and the search for authenticity in a world that often seems uncertain and chaotic.
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Lyric
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
… Who are you?Who, who, who, who?Who are you?Who, who, who, who?Who are you?Who, who, who, who?Who are you?Who, who, who, who?… I woke up in a Soho doorwayA policeman knew my nameHe said, “You can go sleep at home tonightIf you can get up and walk away”I staggered back to the undergroundAnd the breeze blew back my hairI remember throwin’ punches aroundAnd preachin’ from my chair… Well, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)I really wanna know (who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Tell me, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)‘Cause I really wanna know (who are you? Who, who, who, who?)… I took the tube back out of townBack to the Rollin’ PinI felt a little like a dying clownWith a streak of Rin Tin TinI stretched back and I hiccuppedAnd looked back on my busy dayEleven hours in the tin panGod, there’s got to be another way… Well, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Oh, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Come on and tell me, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Oh, who the fuck are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)… Who are you?(Ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh)(Ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh)(Ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh)(Ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh)(Ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh)(Ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh)… Who are you?Who, who, who, who?Who are you?Who, who, who, who?Who are you?Who, who, who, who?Who are you?Who, who, who, who?… I really wanna know (who are you? Who, who, who, who?)I really wanna know (who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Come on, tell me, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)‘Cause I really wanna know (who are you? Who, who, who, who?)… I know there’s a place you walkedWhere love falls from the treesMy heart is like a broken cupI only feel right on my kneesI spit out like a sewer holeYet still receive your kissHow can I measure up to anyone nowAfter such a love as this?… Well, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Oh, tell me, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Oh, I really wanna know (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Tell, tell me, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Come on, come on, who? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Ah, who the fuck are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Oh, tell me, who are you? (Who are you? Ooh)I really wanna knowOh, I really wanna knowCome on, tell me, who are you, you, you, ah, you? (Yeah)